Winter is a tough time of year…and the need to take a break and get away for awhile is important. I did that earlier in the week and went to, perhaps, one of my favorite places in Chicago…the Art Institute. Last year, the Modern Wing designed by award-winning architect Renzo Piano, was added to the already amazing building. I have included a few shots from recent days and earlier last summer…an exterior shot of the Modern Wing looking southeast on Monroe Street…

An interior shot in the Modern Wing…

An interior shot of the entrance area of the Modern Wing facing north. If you look closely into the distance, you can seen another Chicago gem, Millennium Park…

As you can tell, the Modern Wing offers visitors a bright place for visual stimulation. While I hope and think you’ll enjoy these pictures, they do not match the magic of visiting in person. If you happen to be in Chicago in the month of February, The Art Institute has free admission for the entire month.

First in a series of posts of places that inspire me…I will share more places from time to time.